Weekender Tote Sew-Along Results

Sew Spoiled blog is hosting a sew-along for her Weekender Tote pattern through the month of May (pattern still available free on her blog!).  I'm a little ahead of the pack and finished my bag last weekend.  It's wonderful as a hip tote or would make a fantastic diaper bag by adding another pocket. I added a burnt flower corsage and think it's great!  On the inside, I also added a little loop to hook my keys on.  No more searching for keys!

I did encounter a few problems in my sewing;  possibly my error in cutting but I thought I had them all cut correctly.  These were minor issues and no problem for intermediate sewers to remedy. 
- Top band was too large for my pleated panels.  I had to cut off about 2 inches, then it matched well.

- Lining top was smaller than my outer bag top, so I trimmed down the outer bag to make them fit nicely.

-Bottom panel:  Just a pet-peeve of mine, but I do not like sewing bag bottom panels.  I find it difficult to get the corners crisp without folds or rounding.  I would much prefer to add 2 inches to the length of the main panels and add gusset corners like I did in Mama's Ruffle Shoulder Bag (example below).  The separate bottom panel does allow you to add a contrasting fabric on the bottom if you choose, but for me gussets are faster and easier.

I would recommend this pattern for intermediate to advanced sewers.  If you've sewn a handbag before you will do fine, but this could be confusing or intimidating for a newbie.  Instructions were good and the pictures helpful.  This is a wonderful free pattern, so get it while you still can!  Other Sew Spoiled patterns are available at her Etsy shop Sew Spoiled.  Her ladybug bags are darling and I really like the Mommy & Me backpacks.  More for my Wish List!

I'm on to my next sew-along , {Make} A Bag Sew Along.  Looks like fun!

Photo from Make blog